I was making lunch today and started thinking about things I use every day and can't live without. It compelled me to share these things with you because here's the deal....if you are using these things regularly, then you are doing some fantastic things for your body.
I call these my Food Accessories because you wouldn't necessarily eat them alone. They are superfoods to accessorize your meals and drinks with and they PACK IN NUTRITIONAL and MEDICINAL health benefits.
Liz's Top 10 SuperFood Accessories!
If you Click on the title, it will take you to a link where you can learn more.
Sodium is sodium and so I don't recommend using even sea salt in excess, but you should DEFINITELY replace your iodized table salt with this glorious alternative. It tastes DELICIOUS and it has great medicinal benefits.
Controlling the water levels within the body, regulating them for proper functioning
Promoting stable pH balance in the cells, including the brain.
Encouraging excellent blood sugar health
Aiding in reducing the common signs of aging
Promoting cellular hydroelectric energy creation
Promoting the increased absorption capacities of food elements within the intestinal tract
Aiding vascular health
Supporting healthy respiratory function
Lowering incidence of sinus problems, and promoting over-all sinus health
Reducing muscle cramps
Increasing bone strength
Naturally promoting healthy sleep patterns
Creating a healthy libido
In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation
Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt
Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt
Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt
You can sprinkle this on your salads, in your smoothies, in your mouth. WHEREVER. And a little bit goes a long way. The flavor is mild. And if you can find the root, you can juice it!!!
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
I put a Tablespoon of this on my salads along with a bit of balsamic or other low cal seasoning to replace salad dressing
Key Benefits of Flaxseed Oil
Researchers suggest that consuming flaxseed oil on a regular basis can help with:
• Preventing acne and breakouts
• Balancing hormones
• Reducing cholesterol
• Prevent plaque formation in the arteries and keeping arteries healthy
• Improving the body's natural response to stress
• Improve cases of arthritis, since flaxseed oil acts as a natural joint lubricant
• Prevent injury in athletes and bodybuilders
• Improve digestion and elimination
• Improve the health of skin, hair, and nails because of its natural protein and fat content
• Improving cognition, memory, and concentration-it's often considered to be a brain boosting food
• Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other aging diseases
• Preventing toxic buildup in the bowels
I sprinkle a tablespoon on my salads. I LOVE this stuff.
1. Nutritious. Chia seed provides ample calcium and protein to your tissues. The seeds are also rich in boron, which helps the body assimilate and use calcium. The nutrients also support proper brain functioning.
2. Water loving. The seed can soak up ten times its weight in water. Do this fun experiment. Put one tablespoon of chia seed in a cup of water and stir. Wait a few hours and see what happens. When inside your body, the seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your bodily fluids.
3. Easily digestible. The shells are easily broken down, even when swallowed whole. This is an improvement over flax seed, which have to be ground up to be digested properly. If you eat flax seed whole, it will just pass through.
4. Concentrated. If I could only take one cup of food for a few days, I'd choose chia! The food value per volume is simply astounding. You don't need much.
5. Mild tasting. Unlike some seeds, the flavor is very mild. The mild taste makes it easy to put in sauces, smoothies, breads, puddings, and whatever you want. They won't really change the taste, but will add to your nutrition!
6. Energy enhancing. The health pioneer Paul Bragg did an experiment an endurance hike with friends. They divided up into a chia-eating group and another group, who ate whatever they wanted. The group eating only chia seeds finished the hike four hours, twenty seven minutes before the others, most of whom didn't even finish at all.
7. Versatile. The seeds can be used to replace less-healthy fat in just about any recipe. You can use them uncooked in salad dressings, spreads, fruit shakes, ice cream, and just about anything you want. You can also add them to cookies, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods. I usually just mix in a couple of teaspoons to my juice or water and drink them down!
8. Slimming and trimming. Yes, the seeds will help you lose weight, for two reasons. The first reason is that they are so filling that you will eat less of other foods. The second reason is that they actually bulk up and cleanse your body of old "junk" in your intestines.
9. Endurance enhancing. Chia seeds are known as the "Indian Running Food". Also, the ancient Aztec warriors used chia seed during their conquests. I'm a runner, and I've used chia seed to enhance stamina and endurance on my mountain runs, some of which are several hours long!
10. Regenerating. After eating, the nutrients travel to the cells very quickly due to the ease in digestion and assimilation. Use them when you want to build or regenerate healthy body tissue.
5. Green and Herbal Teas
Green, Mint, Peppermint, Lavender Chamomile, and Dandelion Root are my favs. I've posted on these before...go here
This is my favorite Detox Tea.
And here's a post all about Green Tea
I use this to make sports drinks, and salad dressings. If you like to "take shots" of things. Try taking a shot of this. What a rush. Lol. I know. I'm so hardcore.
A Few Benefits of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in 4 ounces of purified water after a meal has been used as a natural remedy for heartburn and as a replacement for toxic heartburn medications.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar may help improve bowel irregularity, thereby removing toxins from the body at a faster rate.
Helps clear up skin conditions and blemishes giving a smoother texture and complexion.
Raw Apple Cider vinegar may also help with joint pain and stiffness.
Apple Cider Vinegar helps to break down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them. For this reason, many diets include ACV in their regimen.
On a small scale, ACV was studied by researchers at Arizona State University. The preliminary study was published in the Diabetes Care journal. It reported that ACV helps reduce levels of glucose.
Raw organic apple cider vinegar is even good for pets. It has been used to help control fleas and even promotes a healthy shiny coat.
I love this stuff. I put a few drops in anything I want to sweeten and it tastes like magic. If you are using sweet n low or even splenda cause you think it's good for you....PLEASE get rid of it....it would be better if you ate sugar.
A no-carb, no-calorie substitute
For those watching their carbohydrate or caloric intake, Stevia is both carb- and calorie-free. This makes it possible for dieters to satisfy sweet cravings without wrecking their eating plans.
Lowers blood pressure
Stevia has been shown, in some studies, to lower blood pressure. This makes it an ideal sweetener for people with high blood pressure.
Lowers blood sugar
For people with high blood sugar levels, Stevia has the possible benefit of lowering sugar levels. This makes it a possibly acceptable substitute for anyone with blood sugar or insulin problems, including diabetics. However, diabetics should continue to monitor their blood sugar levels and insulin levels after using Stevia to make sure everything remains in check.
Has antibacterial properties
Has antibacterial properties
Stevia, when used orally, has shown antibacterial properties. This makes it an ideal ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwashes, as it can aid in fighting cavities and gingivitis. It has shown the same properties when used topically, and has been used as an ointment in the treatment of eczema and acne.
Aids in calcium formation
Aids in calcium formation
Some studies, conducted on chicken eggshells, have shown that chickens who are fed a preparation laced with Stevia lay eggs with significantly tougher shells. This suggests that Stevia aids in calcium formation, which would be an ideal side effect particularly for women and children with growing bones. However, experts warn that this has not been definitely proven to translate to human calcium formation
This is 5 bucks at commissary.
Can we say YUM. I don't need to say anything about it cause the list below says it all. Use it instead of butter on toast for the kids. Sprinkle cinnamon and a little bit of coconut palm sugar and toast. They love it. It is solid at room temp unlike other oils. COOL.
Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans
Rice bran is a treasure trove of phytonutrients, working both synergistically and in parallel. These phytonutrients are hard to come by in a typical diet, even for the health purist. They are believed to be useful in the nutritional management of certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Tocotrienols, polyphenols, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), non-starchy polysaccharides, gamma oryzanol and phytosterols are the major phytonutrients in NutraCea's stabilized rice bran products."
I put a tablespoon or two in my oatmeal along with chia seed. It is excellent for energy and aids in digestion.
More than 100 Antioxidants & Co-factors
Vitamin E Complex
complete Tocotrienol & Tocopherol profile
Naturally rich in B Vitamins
IP6 and Inositol
Gamma Oryzanol
Phytosterols
Rich in Essential Fatty Acids
Complete and Balanced Amino Acid Profile
Non GMO
Hypoallergenic
Guaranteed 1 Year Shelf Life
Let's not kid ourselves....this girl loves some chocolate! If you use 100% cocoa powder, those chocolate cravings can be satisfied with additional health benefits! And there's only 10 cals in a Tablespoon. Can I get an AMEN!!!
I love two make Hot Choc. Here's the recipe. 2 tbs of cocoa. 4 drops of Stevia. 4 oz Cup of almond or coconut milk. Boil water fill up a big mug. Enjoy a 40 calorie cup of absolute pleasure!
Cocoa Antidepressant Effects
According to Elson Hass in his book "Staying Healthy With Nutrition," cocoa may provide antidepressant benefits. He explains that cocoa contains the substance phenethylamine, which is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that acts as a mood elevator and natural antidepressant.The University of Michigan Health System (UMIM) states that cocoa may also have the ability to boost endorphins, which act as natural "happy" opiates and are responsible for the highs that are often felt after exercising, laughing, having sex or winning the lottery. Finally, UMIM says that cocoa may boost serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter that antidepressants target in order to boost overall happiness levels.
Cocoa and Antioxidants
Cocoa also contains approximately 43.6 mg of flavonoids per gram. Flavonoids are part of a powerful group of antioxidants known as polyphenols, and according to Medical News Today, cocoa is one of the highest polyphenol-containing foods. In addition, hot cocoa contains more antioxidants per cup than a serving of red wine or tea, and Science Daily explains it may even be the healthiest choice of the three. Science Daily also states that drinking cocoa may help to fight cancer, heart disease and aging through its antioxidant boosting effect. Medical News Today warns however that most commercial cocoa powders have the antioxidant-containing flavonoids removed because they taste bitter; therefore, in order to obtain the health boosting benefits, consider buying raw cocoapowder, which is a minimally processed cocoa powder.
Additional Cocoa Benefits
In addition to the above possible health benefits of cocoa powder, UMIM says that cocoa may lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, increase blood flow to the arteries, lower high blood pressure, boost cognitive performance and provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium.
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